The Progression Guide

Welcome to Highland’s video library for riders who want to get better on purpose. The Progression Guide breaks down the core skills that make mountain biking safer, faster, and more fun. From bike setup and body position to cornering, pumping, jumping, and drops, each episode focuses on a fundamental skill that will help you build confidence and unlock your next level of riding.

Learn the concepts, apply them on the trail, and keep progressing one lap at a time.

• SEASON 1
  
  • Bike Setup
  • Body Position
  • Cornering
  • Pumping & Flow
  • Jumping
  • Drops
• SEASON 2 – COMING SOON!
  • Vision & Line Choice
  • Braking Control
  • Linking Features & Trail Sections
  • Mental progression: Fear, Commitment & Confidence

In this kickoff installment, we’re diving into the essentials of pre-season bike setup—because progression starts before you hit the lift. You’ll learn: How to set up your suspension for park riding Key cockpit adjustments for comfort and control Tire pressure tips to match your riding style and terrain Whether you’re gearing up for your first day at the park or fine-tuning your setup after a long off-season, these tips will help you feel confident and in control from your first lap.

Dial in your foundation. This month, we’re breaking down the fundamentals of body positioning—because the way you stand on the bike shapes everything from control and traction to flow and confidence. Whether you’re cornering, jumping, or charging through chunk, a strong, dynamic stance will keep you balanced and ready for anything the trail throws at you.

Dial in your foundation. This month, we’re diving into the art of cornering—because mastering turns is one of the fastest ways to level up your riding. The way you enter, lean, and exit a corner affects your speed, control, and flow across the whole trail. Whether it’s a tight switchback or a high-speed berm, learning to corner with confidence will help you stay smooth, fast, and in control.

Pumping is one of the most important skills for building speed, control, and flow on the trail. In this episode of the Progression Guide, we break down how pumping works and how you can use it to ride smoother, faster, and more confidently. We cover:

• What pumping is and why it matters at every level
• Slow-speed pumping for flat trails and tight features
• High-speed pumping for flow trails, berms, and jump lines
• Common mistakes and how to fix them

Jumping is one of the most exciting (and intimidating) skills in mountain biking. In this video, we break down the fundamentals so you can build confidence every time your tires leave the ground. Learn how to approach a jump with control, load your bike for lift, stay balanced in the air, and land smoothly with style. Whether you’re boosting tabletops, clearing gaps, or just getting started, mastering the art of jumping opens the door to more speed, flow, and fun on every ride.

In this episode of The Progression Guide, we’re breaking down how to ride drops with confidence, control, and style. From approaching the edge with the right body position to spotting a smooth landing, these tips will help you turn intimidating features into flow-building opportunities. Whether you’re new to drops or working on bigger features, this guide will give you the fundamentals to progress and ride with more confidence.

NEW EPISODES COMING SOON . . . 

Enjoy what you’ve watched and ready for more? The Progression Guide is just the start. Take the next step in your riding with a private lesson at Highland, where our coaches can tailor instruction to your goals, riding style, and current skill level. Book a session and turn what you’ve learned into real on-trail progress.